Posts from June 2014

Ocean Therapy

June 25, 2014

As I walked along the warm, glistening sands, watching the turquoise water smoothly form into perfectly shaped waves, I listened to the crashing sounds and the quiet peaceful in between. It was there I felt the heart beat of the great mother.

The ocean’s movement has always reminded me of a mothers cradling arms, as it sways back and forth in the most natural way. Even the sound of the waves evokes this memory and lulls me into serenity. There is nothing more invigorating and healing for me than swimming in the ocean. To float within the great mothers womb. She nourishes, nurtures, replenishes, cleanses and energises us. The salt water and fresh air, bare feet in the sand…it surely is a perfect cure all. This is my therapy these days. My ocean therapy. It keeps me balanced in every way I need.

This post is dedicated to the our beautiful earth. To say thank you for housing us, providing us with resources and nourishment. For the gift of breath, life, love and joy.

Deepest gratitude and love,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Leigh Dress – Tysa

Necklace + cuffs + turquoise ring – Gypsy River

Large Turquoise cuff, Silver band ring + Armour ring – Eastern Soul

Turquoise pendant – Soul Loving Jewelry

Belt – Free People

Rings – Gypsy Warrior | Global Princess | Heart Majestic

Small turquoise cuff – Scarlet Fashion

Hat – Catarzi

Lace Love

June 19, 2014

When it comes to all things lacey Spell really nail it every time! It’s probably obvious already from all my instagram pics and wardrobe that ivory laces are my absolute favourite. This dress, this cut, this lace….utter perfection. Quite possibly my favourite dress in my wardrobe right now. And WA girls if you didn’t already know Lexi & Roy is your one stop shop for all things Spell over here in the west.

I’m loving this dress styled without the nude slip, and belted/cropped over shredded skinnies and a biker jacket to roughen up the look. Add boots and fedora and a summer outfit transforms into winter. And of course a mountain of jewels ;)

Now that winter is finally well and truly here in WA, I’m embracing the spiral inwards as winter draws us into that introspective space. This is one of my favourite times to get really creative with my wardrobe and play with layers. My layering essentials – dusters, loose tees, a cropped bomber, the perfect skinny jeans, and a tailored vegan leather jacket. I tend more towards the neutrals – black, white, beige and grey during this season, with pops of colour thrown in to my accessories. A bright tribal bag, turquoise rings, funky coloured nails and statement necklaces. Fashion and style to me is about having fun. Wear what makes you happy, not what’s on trend. Enjoy the process of expressing your creativity through style.

And here’s a little something for those on a budget but wanting to add some lovely lace into their wardrobe. I’ve hunted and narrowed down some of my favourite lace dresses under $100 –

Sonnet Dress

Everdeen Maxi

Crochet knit lace dress

Ralph Lauren 3/4 sleeve Lace dress

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Spell dress via Lexi & Roy

Necklaces – Free People + Embella Jewellery

Boots – Free People

Hat – Catarzi (similar)

Child of Wild Flash tattoos

Rings – Global Princess | Lunar Sea Gypsy | Eastern Soul | OOAK Elephant Wrap (similar)

Cuffs – Global Princess | Alushia Sanchia thunderbird

Festival fever

June 11, 2014

The music’s pumping, the air is thick with dust, glitter and patchouli, happy sounds from happy souls surround.

Ahhhh I really do miss the festival days. Things have definitely changed a lot since I’ve had children, and it’s been awhile since I’ve seen my fair share of festival action. But I do see myself getting back there, perhaps a little differently than before…..back to that space where your inhibitions melt away, and it’s so easy to tap into that beautiful feeling of interconnectedness of all beings. The perfect fuse of style, music and art and bountiful expression creates the most contagious, rippling vibes of joy.

This festival inspired outfit was loads of fun to create. And so much fun to wear. Even though it was just me and my camera, I had a blast dreaming up all the places I would wear this to.

Sometimes life slows us down, whether it’s motherhood, illness or something else. Embrace the change, embrace the slow pace, there is so much beauty and healing in this phase of life. Keep on dreaming and know it won’t be that long before you too will be back on that stage dancing up a storm, or whatever it is your heart desires. And for now, have some fun playing dress ups, share your creativity, be brave and bold and dance like nobody’s watching.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Outfit Details

Serape – Nightcap Clothing

Necklace, Belt, turquoise ring, flash tattoos – Child of Wild

Rings – Global Princess | Eastern Soul | Jane + Rye | Lunarsea

Cuffs – Embella | Global Princess | Scarlet

Boots – Free People

Hat – Brixton

Shine on

June 5, 2014

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

Quite possibly my all time favourite quote by an absolutely divine and inspirational woman. The ripple effect is a wonderful thing. To watch this universal law unfold brings much joy to my heart. I feel immense radiating love knowing that by shining my own light so brightly, by authentically sharing who I am and passionately following my heart’s call, that I may inspire others to do the same. I am in deep gratitude today to all those who stand as beacons for me, sharing their love, light and inspirations so bravely and lovingly.

It really feels so good to pick another person up, and to be picked up. Something I came across recently on Instagram really sums it up quite well – ‘Kindness doesn’t cost a damn thing, sprinkle that shit everywhere”

Shine on my brothers and sistars and sprinkle that golden light of yours everywhere you can.

Oh and yeh this is the most perfect Flynn Skye dress ever! Not just a dress indeed ;)

Love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Outfit Details

Not Just a Dress – Flynn Skye

Necklace – Lola Pepper boutique

Belt – SCFxLUVAJ

Custom ‘Gypsy’ ring and ‘Follow your heart’ Bracelet, Lotus + Arrow stamped rings – Wingostarr Jewelry

Turquoise rings – Vintage (similar) + Spell (similar)

Turquoise cuff + Zoda bracelet – Scarlet

Chyrsocolla bracelet – Soul Loving Jewelry

Silver cuff – Embella Jewellery

Hat – Yellow108

Losari Home and Woman

June 4, 2014

“Your sacred space is where you find yourself again and again” – Joseph Campbell

There is no question in my mind that our environment shapes us, that our surrounds impact us all the time. The colours, textures, the space, the scents, the elements, all influencing how we feel.

Recently I was lucky enough to visit the exquisite home of Losari Home and Woman for a photoshoot. Kirsty, the beautiful, soulful woman behind Losari, brings forth her amazing sense of style and aesthetic in every nook and cranny of this magnificent home. My childlike joy was overwhelming as I explored her home and discovered so much beauty. I must say I really felt so at home here and full of inspiration and creativity. My mood was elevated the moment I stepped into this divine, open space. The perfect place for a photoshoot. I had more fun on this shoot than any of my previous shoots. It definitely helped that this lady also knows how to make an incredible g+t haha! ;)

A big thanks to Kirsty for opening up her home and heart to us. This lovely mama has an amazing online shop you can check out HERE and you too can add a little beauty into your own home.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photographer – Bobby Bense, Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Losari Home and Woman

Outfit Details

Lace Dress – Bambi Collective

Lace crochet throw – Losari Home and Woman

Turquoise necklace + Bracelets – Guilty Jean Jewelry

Drops of Nautilus anklet | Hilltribe Cuff | Silver bracelet + Gypsy Traveller bracelet + Palm fronds bracelet | Feather Ring + Hilltribe Spiral Ring – Embella Jewellery

Tattoo – Skin Feelings

Fedora – Lack of Color

Layer Up

June 1, 2014

It’s the first day of winter here in Aus and it’s definately layering time in WA…..icy, desert cold mornings, warm, bright, blue sunny days. One of my favourite things about this time of year is rocking lots of different layers. Kimonos and long tees under fitted jackets are a favourite look of mine, paired with either jeans or shorts. Layering jewels is always so much fun and so easy with Goldbarr. And Rue Stiic basics provide me with an amazing canvas to adorn with all my jewels. The quality, texture and cuts in this range are all perfect.

Definitely grab yourself some Rue Stiic and check out all the amazing jewels I’ve stacked – Goldbarr Versailles + Behati neck pieces, Lost Lover, Forever soles + Free People.

Layer up lovelies and never be afraid to share your inner gypsy! And whenever you get the chance to shed your layers, immerse yourself in nature, feel your bare feet on the earth and dance upon the sand.

Love and gratitude,

Helen

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Long Sleeve top – Rue Stiic

Behati + Versailles neckpieces – Goldbarr

Atalar necklace + Spirit ring + Elephant ring + Filigree ring + Anatolian anklet + Coin anklet – Lost Lover

Boho goddess barefoot sandals – Forever Soles

Metal Bead Rosary – Free People

Rings – Little pieces of hope | Wingostarr Jewelry

Bonitas – One Teaspoon

Dreamweaver bag – Spell designs

Messer hat – Brixton

Boots – Hobbs

Leather jacket – Steele (last season)

Helen Janneson Bense

Posts from June 2014

Ocean Therapy

June 25, 2014

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Lace Love

June 19, 2014

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Festival fever

June 11, 2014

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Shine on

June 5, 2014

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Losari Home and Woman

June 4, 2014

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Layer Up

June 1, 2014

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